STALINS REVOLUTION
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History
Date
Nov 24, 2024
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3
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Introduction to Stalinism
Last week, we began exploring Stalin's personality and his Machiavellian manipulation of power
structures within the Soviet state. However, this does not fully describe Stalinism. Today, we will
delve into the revolutionary side of Stalin, aiming to understand the logic of Stalinism.
Stalin as a Soviet Dictator
Stalin's rise to power marked the beginning of his totalitarian ambitions. Once secure in his
leadership position, he began to implement his vision. We will examine how Stalin used
propaganda to build legitimacy and how his totalitarian revolution gained momentum in the
1930s.
Stalin's Ideological Stance
A critical question is whether Stalin was driven by ideology. Initially supporting more leftist
views, he adopted conservative policies, especially concerning family and economic policies.
This oscillation raises questions about his commitment to a consistent ideology. Despite this, I
argue that Stalin was guided by a worldview or program, which we define as Stalinism or
'socialism in one country.'
Socialism in One Country
The concept of 'socialism in one country' focused on strengthening the Soviet Union internally
rather than promoting global revolution. This approach was influenced by Stalin's perception of
external threats and the need for national self-reliance.
Party Dynamics and Stalin's Policies
Post-Civil War, the Communist Party saw an influx of members seeking social mobility, differing
from the earlier intellectual Bolsheviks. This shift favoured Stalin's policies, which appealed to
practically-minded individuals. Stalin's policies also tapped into Great Russian nationalism,
contrasting with the internationalist outlook of earlier Bolshevik leaders.
Stalin's Response to External Threats
Stalin perceived imminent external threats to the Soviet Union, leading to a focus on
militarization and industrialization. This perspective was shaped by experiences like the Civil
War and the fear of capitalist invasion, prompting a shift towards a war-ready economy.
The Five-Year Plans and Industrialization
Stalin's famous Five-Year Plans aimed to transform the Soviet Union from an agrarian society to
an industrial powerhouse. These plans, initiated in 1928, departed from the New Economic
Policy (NEP) and moved towards a state-directed economy. The focus was on heavy industry,
military production, and resource extraction.
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Financing Stalin's Ambitions
Stalin financed his industrial and military ambitions through taxation and requisitioning of
resources, especially grain. This significantly impacted the peasantry, as grain was requisitioned
for urban workers and for export to fund machinery and technology imports.
Conclusion: The Complexity of Stalinism
As a historical phenomenon, Stalinism presents a complex tapestry of ideology, pragmatism, and
ruthless ambition. Understanding Stalin's leadership and policies requires considering various
factors, including ideological shifts, party dynamics, and responses to perceived threats.
Introduction to Stalin's Collectivization Policy
The text begins by examining Stalin's collectivization policy, which involved transforming
privately owned and operated farms into large collectives or state-run farms. This move towards
central control aimed to simplify the state's grain requisitioning. Despite Stalin's commitment,
the policy faced significant resistance, with some peasants responding violently. By 1941,
approximately 98% of Soviet farms had been collectivized, highlighting the regime's
determination to implement this policy.
Cultural Revolution and the New Soviet Person
Stalin's revolution extended beyond agriculture to a broader cultural transformation. Part of his
totalitarian strategy involved altering the social values of society, described here as a 'cultural
revolution.' The goal was to industrialize and modernize Soviet citizens, reshaping them into
what propaganda called the 'new Soviet person.' This entailed redefining work relationships and
habits, particularly for those transitioning from rural to urban industrial settings.
Transforming Work Habits and the Shock Worker Movement
The regime's efforts to transform work habits are detailed next. Many new urban workers,
primarily from the peasantry, struggled with the demands of industrial labour. To address this, the
regime launched a propaganda campaign promoting the shock worker movement. Workers were
encouraged to exceed their quotas with moral and material reward promises. However, the
movement saw limited success, necessitating tangible incentives like extra rations or cash
bonuses.
The Stakhanovite Movement
The later introduction of the Stakhanovite movement centred around the figure of Alexey
Stakhanov, a miner famed for his extraordinary productivity, is discussed. This movement aimed
to inspire workers to emulate Stakhanov's achievements, offering significant rewards for
overachievement. However, skepticism about the achievability of such feats persisted among
workers.
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Education and the Youth
The focus then shifts to education and youth indoctrination. Stalin invested in the education
system while simplifying the curriculum to eradicate illiteracy and provide basic technical skills.
The text compares the indoctrination efforts in the Soviet Union with those in Fascist Italy and
Nazi Germany, noting the emphasis on youth involvement in extracurricular activities like sports
and military preparation.
Family Planning Policies and the Role of Women
The final section addresses Stalin's approach to family planning and the role of women in Soviet
society. Under Stalin, the 'cult of motherhood' was emphasized, portraying women as both
workers and mothers. This dual role was part of Stalin's broader strategy to ensure a growing
population for future labour and military needs. Policies like the restriction of divorce and the
criminalization of abortion were implemented alongside incentives for motherhood.
Conclusion: Ambitions and Outcomes of Stalin's Policies
The text concludes by reflecting on the mixed results of Stalin's ambitions to transform Soviet
society. While there were successes in industrialization and establishing a war industry, the
cultural revolution and efforts to mould public opinion were more challenging. Nonetheless,
Stalin managed to secure acceptance for his rule among the urban population, positioning the
Soviet state as a progressive force.
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